- Jessica Bowie, a 35-year-old woman from Albany, New York, was arrested by the FBI for allegedly plotting an ISIS-inspired attack on the New York State Capitol building.
- The FBI's investigation revealed that an FBI confidential source posed as an 'ISIS facilitator' and began messaging with Bowie in July about her plans to attack the Capitol.
- Bowie conducted reconnaissance on the Capitol building on July 21, visiting the site multiple times.
- On August 5, Bowie met with two FBI confidential sources and reaffirmed her desire to bomb the Capitol during a recorded meeting.
- Bowie purchased bomb-making materials at Home Depot after receiving $200 from an informant.
- Last week, Bowie inquired about buying a gun and met with informants on Wednesday, giving them $150 for a firearm.
- Bowie was arrested on Wednesday while in possession of a gun, magazine, ammunition, and an inert explosive device.
- Bowie appeared in federal court on Thursday to face one count of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
- The FBI's investigation included reviewing social media posts shared by Bowie that contained anti-American messages.
- New York Governor Kathy Hochul praised the FBI and state police for their role in apprehending Bowie, emphasizing the importance of security amid rising political violence.
Jessica Bowie, a 35-year-old woman from Albany, was arrested by the FBI for allegedly planning to bomb the New York State Capitol. She faces a charge of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization after a detailed investigation revealed her intentions.12
The FBI's investigation began when agents reviewed Bowie’s social media posts, which contained anti-American messages. An undercover source posed as an ISIS facilitator and communicated with her about her plans to attack the Capitol. Bowie reportedly visited the building multiple times, conducting reconnaissance.4511
During an in-person meeting with FBI informants, she allegedly expressed her desire to carry out the attack on a day when the most senators would be present, aiming to maximize casualties. She stated, “try and get a good enough explosive in there to kill the senators and ideally to destroy as much of the building as possible.”
Bowie discussed bomb-making materials with the informants and even attempted to purchase a firearm. She was arrested after handing over money for a gun, magazine, and ammunition while in possession of an inert explosive device.79
New York Governor Kathy Hochul praised the FBI for their swift action, emphasizing the importance of security amid rising political violence. She stated, “While there is no immediate threat at this time, we will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to protect New Yorkers.”1213
“Bowie allegedly swore allegiance to ISIS and discussed timing the attack to coincide with a senators' meeting to 'kill the senators' and destroy the building. She purchased bomb materials at Home Depot with $200 from an informant and later gave $150 for a gun, magazine, and ammunition before her arrest.”
